MRSA prevalence among patient transport staff in Hamburg
نویسندگان
چکیده
Introduction: Patient transport employees frequently come into contact with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and therefore are at a greater risk of infection than the general population. These pathogens pose a significant challenge for employees of patient transport services since they can spread over long distances through patient transfers. To date, little is known about the occupational risk of MRSA infection in patient transport settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of MRSA in patient transport personnel, including taxi drivers, as well as the potential risk factors for MRSA colonization. For screening, nasal swabs were taken. When an individual was tested positive, a control swab was taken; if this confirmed a positive result, decolonization measures were offered. A molecular biological examination of the MRSA samples was performed. Results: A total of 222 patient transport employees were screened and 7 employees tested positive, putting the MRSA prevalence at 3.2% (95% CI 1.4-6.5). Significant risk factors among patient transport staff (PTS) for testing positive were the use of antibiotics (OR 11.9; 95% CI 1.8-78.4) and hospital admission (OR 6.9; 95% CI 1.1-45.9). MRSA swabs were also performed on a total of 102 taxi drivers who provide patient transport services. The MRSA prevalence was 0.98 (95% CI <0.01-5.9). Significant group differences between PTS and taxi drivers, with respect to potential risk factors for MRSA colonization, were identified as inpatient treatment (p=0.09), chronic respiratory illnesses (p=0.01), and knowingly transporting patients/passengers with MRSA (p=0.03). Conclusion: This study is the first to make data on the MRSA risk of patient transport employees in Hamburg available. The prevalence data are low in all areas and indicate a somewhat low risk of infection. A good infection control at the facilities is highly recommendable and the employees should acquire in-depth knowledge of infection prevention to improve compliance with personal protective measures.
منابع مشابه
MRSA Prevalence and Risk Factors among Health Personnel and Residents in Nursing Homes in Hamburg, Germany – A Cross-Sectional Study
INTRODUCTION The increase of multidrug-resistant organisms in hospitals causes problems in nursing homes. Staff in geriatric nursing homes are at greater risk of MRSA colonisation. The aim of the study was to describe the occupational exposure to MRSA among health personnel in geriatric nursing. METHODS A point prevalence survey was conducted among health personnel and residents of geriatric ...
متن کاملPrevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among staff and pets in a small animal referral hospital in the UK.
OBJECTIVES The occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the possible relatedness between human and animal isolates were investigated among veterinary staff and hospitalized animals in a referral small animal hospital in the UK. METHODS A total of 300 swab samples were taken from nasal and oral mucosae of 78 veterinary staff, 45 dogs, 12 cats and from 30 environment...
متن کاملMRSA carriage among healthcare workers in non-outbreak settings in Europe and the United States: a systematic review
ABSTARCT BACKGROUND A recent review estimated prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in healthcare workers (HCWs) to be 4.6%. However, MRSA carriage in HCWs in non-outbreak settings is thought to be higher than in an outbreak situation, due to increased hygiene awareness in outbreaks, but valid data are missing. The goals of this paper are to summarise the prevalence o...
متن کاملPrevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Canadian inner-city shelter.
BACKGROUND Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization is increasingly of concern in community settings. However, despite a recent outbreak in Calgary, Alberta, data on the prevalence of MRSA in Canadian communities are lacking. Globally, few studies have been performed in high-risk groups such as inner-city populations. METHODS A cross-sectional study of the prevalence of...
متن کاملMethicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Prevalence among Captive Chimpanzees, Texas, USA, 20121
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in humans and animals is concerning. In 2012, our evaluation of a captive chimpanzee colony in Texas revealed MRSA prevalence of 69%. Animal care staff should be aware of possible zoonotic MRSA transmission resulting from high prevalence among captive chimpanzees.
متن کامل